Known locally as “The Cranberry,” this geological remnant of a long-ago ice age was one of The Nature Conservancy’s first preserves in Pennsylvania.

Standing out in vivid contrast to the surrounding Pocono Mountains landscape, Tannersville Cranberry Bog provides a snapshot of colder times. Thousands of years ago, a large glacial lake occupied the space of what has since become a thick soup of peat moss.

Today, while the ice and lake have long receded, the unique ecosystem that remains serves as the southernmost low elevation boreal bog along the eastern seaboard. It represents an intricate transformation that took place over the millennia and would be impossible to replace if destroyed.

Affectionately known locally as “The Cranberry,” Tannersville Cranberry Bog is ingrained in the local community and culture, inspiring wonder among students, educators, scientists, nature lovers and photographers who visit each year. Of special interest are some of North America’s most beautiful native orchids, including rose pogonia and the state-endangered heart-leaved twayblade.

The Tannersville Cranberry Bog Preserve is one of The Nature Conservancy's first nature preserves in Pennsylvania. Over the years, careful stewardship by TNC, partners and the local community has yielded great returns as the bog soaks up rain and runoff like a giant sponge--cleansing water and controlling pollution throughout the Pocono Creek watershed.

Threats

Residential development, water pollution and groundwater depletion.

Action

Managing the preserve with assistance from volunteers and partners. Providing educational opportunities for the local community. Acquiring land and conservation easements.

Milestones

Created a floating boardwalk during the 1980's that provides accessibility without damage to the bog. Acquired 78 acres in 2006 to expand the preserve to 900 acres, including 300 acres purchased in partnership with Pocono Township.

EXPLORE

HIGHLIGHTS

Specialized and endangered bog plants, birdwatching, wildlife

Size

1,000 acres

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Take I-80 to Route 715 (exit 299). Follow 715 north to Route 611. Go south on 611 for 1.1 miles and turn left onto Cherry Lane Road. Proceed 2.7 miles and turn right onto Bog Road. The North Wood Trail is 0.3 miles on the left. The Fern Ridge Trail is another 0.3 miles on the right. A bulletin board explaining the trails is located at the start of the North Wood Trail section. There is a small parking lot on the left near the trails.

Visitors will find plants such as calla lilies, gold thread, and carnivorous sundew and pitcher plants, as well as native orchids such as rose pogonia and the state endangered heart-leaved twayblade. Other endangered plants include bog rosemary and Labrador tea. Shrubs such as leather leaf, sheep laurel and swamp azalea can also be found there. Animals include black bear, river otter, bobcat, beaver, porcupines, mink, wild turkey and snowshoe hares. Canada warbler, wood thrush, scarlet tanager, golden-winged warbler, eastern towhee and whip-poor-will have also been spoted at the preserve.

Because of its fragile nature, the bog itself can be visited only during regularly scheduled walks conducted by the Monroe County Environmental Education Center. Private walks are available for groups upon request. Public access is always permitted on the North Wood and the Fern Ridge trails. A donation to support management efforts is requested.

Support Pennsylvania Nature

Help TNC and partners sustain a vibrant future for the communities and wildlife that share Pennsylvania’s diverse landscape.

The Nature Conservancy is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 53-0242652) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.